In the heart of Amsterdam, a Black-owned restaurant is leading the way in bringing American Soul food to The Netherlands. Ladybird Fried Chicken, a casual dining spot in the popular De Pijp neighborhood, brings a “New York approach to the Southern kitchen,” according to its website.
The restaurant’s existence feels like an ode to Blackness. From the food to its vibe, the space personifies culture. With classic favorites like fried chicken, greens, and other Southern dishes, Ladybird’s is a must-visit when heading to Amsterdam.
Creating Ladybird
According to the restaurant’s website, the concept for Ladybird was “inspired by memories of American Down South” as well as family dinners that fused Black American culture with the “vibes of New York.”
Co-owners Noah Tucker and Tony Joseph opened Ladybird in 2022. They quickly became a local favorite, offering something not previously catered to in the city: Down South-style fried chicken.
Tucker, a native New Yorker, found his love for soul food during his childhood. Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s home are some of the chef’s early memories of developing his cooking interest, according to the website. On the other hand, Joseph learned his initial kitchen skills from his mother and knew he wanted to be a chef as a young child.
The Food
The menu at Ladybird is pretty straightforward. Fried chicken is the star, but there are also standouts like the sides. Cheese grits, skin-on fries, collard greens, candied yams, and stewed okra with tomatoes feel especially Southern.
Like any noteworthy soul food restaurant, there are several chicken combos to choose from. The Classic Lady is a three-piece mixed option while the Big Bitties includes two breasts. The Wing Ting is for those who love a fried wing combo, with ten wings tossed in any of the house sauces.
Adding in some flair, there’s also a vegan option, the Keep It Fungi. It’s a fried oyster mushroom that stands in for a meatless palette. It can be served like any of the chicken combos or made into a burger.
Another standout at the restaurant is its cocktail selections. Like much of Europe, the Pornstar Martini is a staple on the menu, alongside other signature cocktails and wine. The place even serves caviar, and has a caviar-covered chicken option.
Vibes on Vibes
Beyond the food, Ladybird is the best of both worlds when it comes to dining. The restaurant is casual enough to feel welcoming but designed with all the makings of a great date night option.
And the playlist is nice, too. With art on the walls and a hip-hop and R&B-centered playlist, it’s easy to forget that you’re in Amsterdam and not in the middle of Brooklyn, New York.
With its inviting atmosphere, food that’s reminiscent of Sunday dinner in the South, and a playlist worth sharing, Ladybird Fried Chicken is one of Amsterdam’s best hidden gems.